Replacing the filter is an important part of maintaining any vacuum. The question is, can you wash Roomba filters on a robot vacuum cleaner?
Though it operates automatically, the Roomba robot vacuum from iRobot isn’t much different from a conventional vacuum in terms of how it operates and how it captures dirt and debris. It uses brushes and suction to remove dirt and debris from flooring, placing particulates into a waste bin.
The Roomba also contains a filter, which is designed to capture particulates and prevent them from recirculating throughout the room that’s being cleaned. While replacing the filter is an important part of maintaining any vacuum, filters can often be washed, dried and reused in between replacement in many conventional vacuum cleaners. It begs the question: Can you wash the filter on a Roomba robot vacuum cleaner?
The answer: According to iRobot, no.
Let’s take a closer look at why Roomba filters shouldn’t be washed and other care tips for maintaining your automatic robot vacuum cleaner:
Why You Shouldn’t Wash Roomba Filters
So just why shouldn’t you wash a Roomba filter? According to iRobot, it’s because any liquid doesn’t just have the potential to ruin the filter, but cause damage to the Roomba vacuum as well. Hence, iRobot doesn’t suggest washing vacuum filters, as any contact with water or liquid has the potential to cause some significant damage to the device itself.
CNET, however, claims that it’s OK to wash Roomba filters for reuse but warns to never replace the filter until it is completely dry. CNET says that Roomba filters should only be washed with water.
How to Clean a Roomba Filter
Assuming you stick to what iRobot suggests and avoid washing your Roomba filter, you’re likely wondering the best way to clean such a filter. After all, you don’t want to have to replace the old filter with a new one after each use. It’s fairly easy to do, here’s a look at how:
- First, remove the bin where debris is collected and discard any waste. This should be performed after every use.
- As you remove the waste bin, the filter (or filters on some models) should be easily accessible. Remove it (or them).
- Take the filter and tap it against the inside of the wastebasket. This should help dislodge any dust or debris it has captured. Continue gently tapping it against the inside of the wastebasket until you don’t see any dust or debris coming from it.
- If you want to take your filter cleaner efforts to the next level, you can use an air compressor or can of compressed air to help remove any debris. Just be sure that you’re applying the air from a safe distance so as not to damage the filter.
- Place the filter(s) and waste bin back into the Roomba.
iRobot recommends cleaning the filter at least once per week, perhaps more if you live in a home with pets or with heavily soiled floors.
How Often Should I Change a Roomba Filter?
While there are several factors that determine how often vacuuming with the Roomba is required, it’s suggested by iRobot that filters are changed on these vacuums at least once every two months. According to Clean Home World, however, filters can usually prove adequate anywhere from six to 12 months before replacement is necessary if proper weekly cleaning of the filter is carried out.
Again, there are various factors that influence how often filter replacement is necessary. If you live in a two-person household, for instance, then your floors are likely to be less soiled than if you live in a five-person household with pets. While the former example could likely benefit from replacing filters every six to 12 months, the latter example would likely be best served to stick to replacing them every two months, per iRobot’s recommendation.
Replacement filters for all models of Roombas can be purchased in iRobot’s online store in the “Parts and Accessories” section or from one of its retailer partners.
If you notice that the suction power on your Roomba is weak, then the likely culprit is the filter. This is why it’s important to clean the filter on a weekly basis and stick to the suggested replacement filter schedule. Failure to do so is likely to impact the performance of the device and possibly even lead to premature failure.